Full Throttle

Nigel Mansell broke down in tears today after ending his 10-year absence from motor racing with a nostalgic victory at the inaugural Grand Prix Masters race at Kyalami in South Africa.

The 52-year-old ex-Formula One champ has spent his retirement developing his Woodbury Park leisure complex in Devon, England and cruising the Mediterranean in his Sunseeker yacht.

But Mansell, who won the F1 world championship in 1992, was coaxed back to the sport to compete at the Kyalami circuit near Johannesburg.

And an emotional Mansell had tears in his eyes after crossing the finishing line first ahead of several other household names from the past. Brazil’s Emerson Fittipaldi, the 1972 and 1974 world champion, pushed the Brit hard during the 30-lap race in searing 40^C degree heat.

But Mansell, quickest in qualifying despite suffering from a stomach bug, led from the start to win by less than half a second.

Nigel Mansell (1st):

“What a race! I started on pole and that was the critical factor today given how hard I was pushed by Emerson. He just didn’t give up and nor did I expect him to. I tried to break-away from him but he just kept his nose behind my car and on a couple of occasions made moves on the inside of corners!

He really is a legend and someone I admire immensely. Today, however, he was a pain in the ass! I could have pushed a little more but wanted to preserve my tyres. In such extreme conditions of heat combined with the aggression of driving, the tyres were well cooked and controlling the car to the first place win was one hell of a challenge. One slip, one mistake or one spell of misfortune would have meant Emerson taking the win! He had better traction than me coming out of corners but I had to maintain my own pace and keep the thoroughbred race machine on the track. I simply could not have driven any harder out there today! The sacrifices, dedication and patience invested by everyone involved in GP Masters has been nothing short of exemplary and I take by hat off to Scott Poulter (CEO, GP Masters), Delta Motorsport who have given us these wonderful race cars and Altech for their faith and support. It still hasn’t sunk yet to be honest. What we have all achieved here this weekend is beyond what anyone would have predicted or imagined! If there are any doubters left out there I am sure they will be few and far between.”

Emerson Fittipaldi (2nd):

“An amazing race and one which was a joy to drive! I remember a few years ago when Nigel came over to Indy Cars and the late great Senna told me to watch out for Nigel’s car control.

Today I witnessed that first hand again and at times, I really thought he had crossed the limit but time and time again he managed to keep the car on the track - and get faster! He will make a mistake, I kept thinking and I tried to pass him on several occasions but there simply wasn’t enough braking zone. Nigel kept his foot glued to the throttle for 30-laps and I had little choice but to accept 2nd place today. Not one of us put a foot wrong out and on lap 23, we posted exactly the same time - 1m.37.069secs! In fact, the only thing I did wrong today was not finishing in 1st place! A truly banzai race in every sense and we are already excited at the prospect of what 2006 holds for this stunning new series.”

Ricardo Patrese (3rd):

“The car control on display out there today was amazing - just like the old days. Drivers were on the limit, cars were on the ragged edge and my smile throughout could not have been bigger!

Yan (Lammers) and Andrea (De Cesaris) were pushing me throughout the race and gave me a really hard time. The front two, however, were getting away all the time and in the end I accepted 3rd place but had to make sure I didn’t lose it. I was fortunate enough to have clean air in front of me but at no point was there time to relax. In fact, I thought the whole concept of the GP Masters was about entertainment but this is not the case. These guys are clearly deadly serious on the track and racing amongst these gods was like time standing still - I really do mean that. My mirrors were full of race cars throughout the 30-laps and at no point was there time to relax. This is a hardcore group of racers who have reminded the world of their hardcore heritage. I want more and I want it now!”

Australian Alan Jones was declared unfit to drive after Saturday mornings free practice by Chief Medical Officer Dr Steve Olvey due to severe neck muscle spasms. He was replaced by reserve driver Elisio Salazar.

Grand Prix Masters, Formula One, Auto Racing